Biodiesel from Used OilRoland StoutRecently three papers have appeared in this Journal discussing the properties of biodiesel fuels and their production from biological oils, either new or used. We will frustrate students if we do not discuss why laboratory scale productions of biodiesel from used oil may produce significant amounts of emulsion.Stout, Roland. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 1765.

Esters |

Fatty Acids

Hydration of Acetylene: A 125th AnniversaryDmitry A. Ponomarev and Sergey M. ShevchenkoThe discovery the hydration of alkynes catalyzed by mercury ions by Mikhail Kucherov made possible industrial production of acetaldehyde from acetylene and had a profound effect on the development of industrial chemistry in the 1920th centuries.Ponomarev, Dmitry A.; Shevchenko, Sergey M. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 1725.

Sudoku Puzzles for First-Year Organic Chemistry StudentsAlice L. Perez and G. LamoureuxSudoku puzzles are used to help the students learn the correspondence between the names of amino acids, their abbreviations, and codes; and the correspondence between the names of functional groups, their structures, and abbreviations.Perez, Alice L.; Lamoureux, G. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 614.

Alcohols |

Aldehydes / Ketones |

Alkanes / Cycloalkanes |

Alkenes |

Alkylation |

Amines / Ammonium Compounds |

Amino Acids |

MO Theory |

Nomenclature / Units / Symbols |

Student-Centered Learning |

Alkynes |

Amides

Peer Review of Chemistry Journal Articles: Collaboration across DisciplinesBozena Barbara Widanski and Debra Courtright-NashOrganic chemistry students conducted self-designed experiments and submitted their manuscripts to English composition students who reviewed them according to journal guidelines. The results indicate that chemistry students improved their understanding of the scientific process and scientific writing. Widanski, Bozena Barbara; Courtright-Nash, Debra. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1788.

Equilibrium Constants and Water Activity RevisitedDavid KeeportsSubtle arguments based upon the use of chemical potentials show that numerical values of solute molar concentrations can be used as good approximate activities in equilibrium calculations for reactions involving dilute solutions.Keeports, David. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1290.

Octachem Model: Organic Chemistry Nomenclature CompanionJoaquin PalaciosThe Octachem model is an educational physical model designed to guide students in the identification, classification, and naming of the chemical structures of organic compounds. In this article the basic concepts of Octachem model are presented, and the physical model and contents are described.Palacios, Joaquin. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 890.

Facing the Music: How Original Was Borodin's Chemistry?Michael D. GordinA return to the original sources demonstrates that the evidence for Borodin's reputation as a great chemist, as opposed to a merely good one, is exaggerated.Gordin, Michael D. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 561.

Making Usable, Quality Opaque or Transparent SoapSuzanne T. MabroukFirst-year and organic chemistry students will learn the chemistry of soap by making some of the eleven described formulations, which produce usable, quality bars of soap. Opaque and transparent soaps are made in two and three hours, respectively. With an introduction to formulation chemistry, organic chemistry students can devise a formulation to synthesize their own opaque soap. Many of the formulations use commonly-available fats and oils, while some formulations incorporate specialty fats and oils for therapeutic purposes, for example, to relieve dry skin or itching.Mabrouk, Suzanne T. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1534.

Colloids |

Consumer Chemistry |

Lipids |

Nonmajor Courses |

Applications of Chemistry |

Esters

Synthesis and Physical Properties of Liquid Crystals: An Interdisciplinary ExperimentGerald R. Van Hecke, Kerry K. Karukstis, Hanhan Li, Hansford C. Hendargo, Andrew J. Cosand, and Marja M. FoxThis experiment features an investigative approach designed for the introductory science or engineering major and integrates concepts in the fields of chemistry, biology, and physics. Derived from faculty research interests, this novel experiment gives students the opportunity to draw conclusions from tests performed to illustrate the connection between molecular structure and macroscopic properties. The chemical synthesis of the compounds studied further enhances the connection between molecular structure and macroscopic physical properties. The results of two separate physical measurements, refractometry and absorption spectroscopy, are combined to calculate a microscopic, but very practical, property of chiral nematic liquidsthe pitch of the helix formed in the liquid crystalline phase.Van Hecke, Gerald R.; Karukstis, Kerry K.; Li, Hanhan; Hendargo, Hansford C.; Cosand, Andrew J.; Fox, Marja M. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1349.

Chirality / Optical Activity |

Crystals / Crystallography |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

UV-Vis Spectroscopy |

Acids / Bases |

Esters |

Physical Properties |

Physical Properties

A Passive Sampler for Determination of Nitrogen Dioxide in Ambient AirDan Xiao, Lianzhi Lin, Hongyan Yuan, Martin M. F. Choi, and Winghong ChanThis article describes the use of a passive sampler for detecting and collecting nitrogen dioxide, NO2, in ambient air. This device is based on microporous PTFE membranes that allow air samples to diffuse through and subsequently react with an absorbing reagent solution. The absorbance value of this reagent is proportional to the NO2 concentration in ambient air. It has been successfully applied to determine the NO2 concentrations in various sampling sites.Xiao, Dan; Lin, Lianzhi; Yuan, Hongyan; Choi, Martin M. F.; Chan, Winghong. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1231.

Calibration |

Membranes |

UV-Vis Spectroscopy |

Amines / Ammonium Compounds |

Coordination Compounds |

Gases |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Nonmajor Courses |

Quantitative Analysis

Kinetics of Alcohol Dehydrogenase-Catalyzed Oxidation of Ethanol Followed by Visible SpectroscopyKestutis Bendinskas, Christopher DiJiacomo, Allison Krill, and Ed VitzA two-week biochemistry experiment was introduced in the second-semester general chemistry laboratory to study the oxidation of ethanol in vitro in the presence of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). This reaction should pique student interest because the same reaction also occurs in human bodies when alcoholic drinks are consumed. Procedures were developed to follow the biochemical reaction by visible spectroscopy and to avoid specialized equipment. The effect of substrate concentration on the rate of this enzymatic reaction was investigated during the first week. The effects of temperature, pH, the specificity of the enzyme to several substrates, and the enzyme's inhibition by heavy metals were explored during the second week. Bendinskas, Kestutis; DiJiacomo, Christopher; Krill, Allison; Vitz, Ed. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1068.

Comment on the Hazards of Peroxide DecompositionJ. C. JonesThe issue under discussionthe presence in ether of peroxides and their explosive decompositionis an important one, and the correspondence referred to is focused on laboratory safety. I believe however that an interesting point of pedagogic value can be gleaned from it.Jones, J. C. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 193.

Organic Functional Group Playing Card DeckMichael J. WelshOrganic functional group playing card deck used for review of the name and structure of organic functional groups that can be used to play any game that a normal deck of cards is used for.Welsh, Michael J. J. Chem. Educ.2003, 80, 426.

How To Learn and Have Fun with Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) and White GlueV. de Zea Bermudez, P. Passos de Almeida, and J. Féria SeitaThe general behavior of Newtonian, shear-thinning, shear-thickening, thixotropic, negative thixotropic, and viscoelastic fluids is characterized and briefly discussed in terms of existing theoretical models. Whenever possible, examples of these types of fluids taken from everyday life are given for better understanding.de Zea Bermudez, Verónica; de Almeida, P. Passos; Seita, J. Féria. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1410.

Alcohols |

Liquids

Solving the Mystery of Fading Fingerprints with London Dispersion ForcesDoris R. Kimbrough and Ronald DeLorenzoThe fingerprints of the perpetrator are often not the only ones of importance in the collection of evidence. The fingerprints of the victim can be extremely important as well, and obtaining them when the victim is a child can be a tricky and frustrating endeavor. Kimbrough, Doris R.; DeLorenzo, Ronald. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1300.

Noncovalent Interactions |

Forensic Chemistry |

Esters |

Applications of Chemistry

Synthesis of Aspirin: A General Chemistry ExperimentJohn A. Olmsted IIIAn experiment is described that is suitable for the early portion of the laboratory in a general chemistry course and integrates organic examples. It is the two-step synthesis of aspirin starting from oil of wintergreen. The mechanism for this synthesis provides examples of three major classes of chemical reactions: hydrolysis, condensation, and proton transfer.Olmsted, John A., III. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1261.

Why Do Alcoholic Beverages Have "Legs"?Todd P. SilversteinAfter a sip of wine, "legs" of liquid typically run up and down the inside of the glass for many minutes. This phenomenon stems from the dipole-dipole intermolecular forces that are so important in understanding the physical behavior of aqueous solutions. Silverstein, Todd P. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 723.

Noncovalent Interactions |

Aqueous Solution Chemistry |

Learning Theories |

Alcohols |

Hydrogen Bonding

Synthesis of Exotic Soaps in the Chemistry LaboratoryOtto Phanstiel IV, Eric Dueno, and Queenie Xianghong WangA variety of different triglyceride sources ranging from Vietnamese garlic oil to a local restaurant's grill sludge were saponified to generate a series of exotic soaps. Students did not quantify their results, but described their products in terms of color, texture and odor.Phanstiel, Otto, IV; Dueno, Eric; Wang, Queenie Xianghong. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 612.

Does Copper Metal React with Acetic Acid?Stephen DeMeoStarting with a discrepant event and led through a series of experiments, students of an introductory chemistry course investigate if copper metal reacts with acetic acid. Finding that oxygen from the air plays an important role in the reaction of these substances, students ultimately realize that the conditions under which two reactants interact are important in determining the type of products that are made.DeMeo, Stephen. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 844.

Acids / Bases |

Aqueous Solution Chemistry |

Carboxylic Acids

An Organoleptic Laboratory ExperimentJohn M. RisleyCompounds in ten different classes of organic molecules that are used in the fragrance and food industry are provided to students. Students whiff the vapors of each compound and describe the organoleptic properties using a set of terms utilized in the fragrance and food industry. A set of questions guides students to an understanding of the relationship between structure of molecules and smell.Risley, John M. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 1181.

Solubility of alcoholsCorkern, Walter H.; Munchausen, Linda L.A very visible demonstration of a gradual progression of a range of solubility, using an alcohol, a dye, and water in a petri dish.Corkern, Walter H.; Munchausen, Linda L. J. Chem. Educ.1992, 69, 928.

A source of isomer-drawing assignmentsKjonaas, Richard A.A comprehensive source from which instructors can choose a wide variety of good isomer drawing examples to use as homework assignments and exam questions.Kjonaas, Richard A. J. Chem. Educ.1992, 69, 452.

A brief freshman experience in qualitative organic analysisGriswold, John R.; Rauner, Richard A.This is an experiment aimed at second semester non-major students. Because such courses attempt to cover so much material in so little time, laboratory experiences must be carefully thought out.Griswold, John R.; Rauner, Richard A. J. Chem. Educ.1991, 68, 418.

Synthesis of a phenol-formaldehyde thermosetting polymerBedard, Y.; Riedl, B.Procedure that allows for the synthesis of a 50% aqueous solution of a prepolymer that, with the proper application of heat and pressure, can be used to bind together wood or other materials.Bedard, Y.; Riedl, B. J. Chem. Educ.1990, 67, 977.

Polarized light and rates of chemical reactionsWeir, John J.This experiment provides the opportunity to introduce the principles of reaction kinetics, polarized light, and the chemistry of optically active compounds; the rate of the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of sucrose to glucose and fructose is determined.Weir, John J. J. Chem. Educ.1989, 66, 1035.

Shedding a new light on solubility calculations Stolzberg, Richard J.Precipitate formation, fractional precipitation and precipitate dissolution can be investigated in a series of lecture demonstrations suitable for general chemistry or quantitative analysis.Stolzberg, Richard J. J. Chem. Educ.1988, 65, 621.

A problem on formulasBrowne, Elaine J.A problem suitable as an indicator of abstract thought and as an aid in selecting students for admission to honors or advanced placement courses.Browne, Elaine J. J. Chem. Educ.1985, 62, 242.

NH4HC03: a stimulant for learningRichards, R. RonaldStudents, professors, and the literature have all been confused by the unusual dissociation equilibrium of NH4HCO3.Richards, R. Ronald J. Chem. Educ.1983, 60, 555.

Equilibrium |

Amines / Ammonium Compounds |

Gases

Estimating energy outputs of fuelsBaird, N. ColinWhich is the best fuel in terms of heat energy output: coal, natural gas, fuel oil, hydrogen, or alcohol? It is possible to obtain a semi quantitative estimate of the heat generated by combustion of a fuel from the balanced chemical equation alone.Baird, N. Colin J. Chem. Educ.1983, 60, 356.

Bad booze O'Connor, RodOne of the brain tinglers: What is the maximum volume of 95% ethanol that a 120lb student could consume to reach a potentially lethal dosage of alcohol? This tingler also helps students understand why it is important to have denatured alcohol in the lab.O'Connor, Rod J. Chem. Educ.1981, 58, 502.

The "chemical fountain": An old experiment in a new settingBen-Zvi, Ruth; Silberstein, JudithA new teaching sequence was developed for an introductory high school chemistry course. In this teaching sequence experiments are designed so as to capture student interest, enhance their motivation, and get them involved in the learning process.Ben-Zvi, Ruth; Silberstein, Judith J. Chem. Educ.1981, 58, 68.

Winemaking in the chemistry laboratoryHorn, David E.Outlines a short course on the chemistry of winemaking and provides a procedure for making red wine from grape juice,Horn, David E. J. Chem. Educ.1977, 54, 375.

Alcohols |

Applications of Chemistry |

Consumer Chemistry

Ammonia synthesis. A simulated laboratory research projectBayless, Philip L.The authors document simulated experiments which are short enough to be programmed on calculators and require students to interpret the data for further interaction with the program and lead to conclusions of economic, environmental or historical significance.Bayless, Philip L. J. Chem. Educ.1976, 53, 318.

The chemistry of winemaking. An unique lecture demonstrationChurch, L. B.This paper shows that a very complex series of reactions present in the preparation of wine can be used as the focal point to illustrate many other general classes of chemical reactions and physical processes.Church, L. B. J. Chem. Educ.1972, 49, 174.

The formation of acetone from acetatesYoung, Jay A.; Taylor, John K.Suggests some research activities based on an article published previously in the Journal.Young, Jay A.; Taylor, John K. J. Chem. Educ.1962, 39, A962.

Undergraduate Research |

Aldehydes / Ketones |

Reactions

Dalton's law of partial pressuresDutton, Frederic B.Demonstrates that breaking a sealed ampule of ether in a closed system increases the pressure inside that system.Dutton, Frederic B. J. Chem. Educ.1961, 38, A545.

Ammonia and "ammonium hydroxide"Davis, John B.One of several reactions that needs reevaluation in the light of the modern theory of valence is the reaction between ammonia and water and the fiction of the ammonium hydroxide molecule.Davis, John B. J. Chem. Educ.1953, 30, 511.

Amines / Ammonium Compounds |

Aqueous Solution Chemistry |

Reactions |

Hydrogen Bonding |

Noncovalent Interactions

Differentiating between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcoholsRitter, Frank O.A primary or secondary aliphatic alcohol dissolved in pure glacial acetic acid decolorizes a water solution of KMnO4, while a tertiary alcohol fails to do so; a secondary alcohol will continue to react with KMnO4 solution if a little concentrated sulfuric acid is added, while a primary alcohol does not.Ritter, Frank O. J. Chem. Educ.1953, 30, 395.

Molecular Properties / Structure |

Alcohols |

Quantitative Analysis

Making water gas by cracking methanolViertel, William K.Methanol vapor decomposes very readily at about 1000C into carbon monoxide and hydrogen; presents an apparatus for collecting the hydrogen gas generated through this process.Viertel, William K. J. Chem. Educ.1951, 28, 220.